Prosecutors offer tips to avoid scams

Staff reports

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego County District Attorney's office
warned residents and consumers Wednesday to watch out for
fire-related scams.

"Unfortunately, some individuals use this time of crisis to take
advantage of others," said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. "We
want people to know the consumer rights and legal protections that
are in place as they begin to rebuild their lives."

Dumanis' office issued the following list of tips:

Debris-clearing scams

There are individuals who will offer to remove debris from
property, asking for significant deposits and then disappearing
with homeowners' money. Sometimes, they move debris but dump it on
a neighbor's property, park or playground. Homeowners may be
responsible for the costs of removal and any penalties
attached.

Price-gouging

After the Governor declares a state of emergency, it is illegal
for businesses to increase prices of essential goods and services
by more than ten percent unless they can prove it was due to an
increase in their supplier's price. The prohibition on price
gouging after a disaster applies to consumer food and services,
goods or services used for emergency cleanup, supplies, medical
supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing,
transportation, freight and storage services, and gasoline or other
motor fuels. In addition, it is a misdemeanor during 30 days
following the state of emergency proclamation for a hotel or motel
to increase regular rates. Reports of price gouging can be reported
to the Attorney General's office at 1-800-952-5225.

Charity scams

During and after a disaster, it is common to hear pleas for
donations. A charitable scam occurs when donations to what is
believed to be a worthy charitable cause ends up in a scam artist's
pocket. Many bogus charities have names that sound similar to
long-established charities. Do not be fooled. Give to charities you
are familiar with that work in disaster assistance. Beware of
telephone solicitors who are unwilling to give their name and call
back number or who will not send written materials. Never give
money to anyone sent to pick it up.

Be wary of out-of-state organizations, especially if their onlyaddress is a P.O. Box. You can check out charities via theCalifornia Attorney General's Web site:
http://caag.state.ca.us/charities/
.Never give out personal information such as credit card numbers orsocial security numbers over the telephone or unless you clearlyknow who you are doing business with.

Looting

Would-be looters looking to profit in the wake of San Diego
County's devastating wildfires will be vigorously prosecuted by the
San Diego County District Attorney's Office. During a state of
emergency, looting is second-degree burglary, which is a felony
crime punishable by up to three years in state prison.

Homeowner's insurance

It is recommended that if you have suffered a property loss as a
result of the wildfires, you promptly contact your insurance
agent/company. Your policy may provide, among other things,
reimbursements for temporary lodging and meals as a result of a
mandatory evacuation. If you believe your insurance company is not
dealing with your claim properly, please contact the Department of
Insurance Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-927-HELP.

Insurance adjusters

It is not uncommon to meet up with a roving insurance adjuster
following a disaster. There are two types of adjusters. Insurance
company adjusters are employed by and work directly for the
insurance company. These adjusters do not charge a fee for handling
your claim.

Public adjusters can be hired by the homeowner to help them with
their claim. It is wise to contact your insurance company adjuster
first and obtain a written estimate of the damages and the cost to
complete the repairs. This estimate will help you negotiate with
contractors. If you disagree with your insurance company adjuster,
you can always hire a public adjuster or attorney. If you hire a
public adjuster, make sure they are licensed by calling the
Department of Insurance Helpline at 1-800-927-HELP.

If you have complaints about how your insurance company is
handling your claim, you can call the same Department of Insurance
Consumer Helpline. Do not have any work done until your insurance
company inspects your property. Take photos of the damage to your
property. If you hire a public adjuster, do so in writing and
understand their fees before signing.

Contractors

Contractors must be licensed. Contracting without a license
during a declared state of emergency is a felony crime. Ask to see
a contractor's pocket license and a second photo ID. Verify the
license number matches that of the contractor you are dealing with.
A contractor cannot collect more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the
contract price, whichever is less, as a down payment for home
repairs. (Contractors can collect more if they supply a performance
and payment bond or provide similar protection against loss.)

Payments should not be made ahead of completed work.

You can contact the District Attorney's Office at 1-800-315-7672
or the Contractor's License Board at 1-800-321-2752 to report an
unlicensed contractor.

Unscrupulous lenders

Avoid quick home equity loans without knowing who you are doing
business with. Never sign

away the equity in your home over a promised loan or repair. If
you have credit problems and

then disappear. Avoid verbal promises; get everything in
writing; be cautious of "cold calls."

Water testing

Fraudulent firms may try to sell you overpriced or useless
water-treatment devices by offering to test your water for free and
then falsely declaring it to be unhealthful. If you're on the
public water system, your local water utility office can tell you
about water safety problems and what to do.

Moving

Before signing a contract with a moving company, call the
California Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-877-8867 to find
out if the company is licensed. You can file a complaint online at
www.cpuc.ca.gov or call 1-800-366-4782.